Programme Summary

The aim of the programme is to produce a pool of media practitioners who are equipped with high-level conceptual, analytical, and practical skills and competences in media and communication enabling them to effectively contribute to both national and international development. The programme is tailored for professionals ready to take on leadership positions in the industry and academia.

The design of the programme has been informed by a needs analysis conducted by the Department conducted to determine the demand for the programme and identify the focal areas. The needs analysis revealed a substantial demand and identified the skills gaps it should address. The Master of Arts in Media Studies has also been benchmarked against comparable programmes offered both within the region and beyond.

Based on the findings of the needs analysis and the benchmarking process, the Department has designed a programme that responds to Malawi’s needs while remaining relevant to the potential international market.

Programme Objectives

The Master of Arts in Media Studies has been designed to achieve the following objectives:

a) To develop students’ advanced intellectual competences in media and communication.

b) To advance students’ analytical and interpretive skills in the media industry.

c) To enhance students’ management and leadership competencies and skills necessary for managing media institutions in complex and competitive environments.

d) To equip students with practical skills in producing and managing media content.

e) To inculcate in the students a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation to enable them identify opportunities for organisational and personal growth.

Entry Requirements

Admission into the programme is based on the following criteria:

1. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Arts degree with credit or distinction in Journalism, Media Studies, Mass Communication, Business Communication or any communication related discipline from a recognised university or institution.
2. Applicants with a strong pass are eligible provided they have at least two years of experience in journalism, media and communication.
3. Candidates with a first degree and at least a strong pass in a field other than those specified in (1) above must possess at least three years of experience in a media, journalism or communication related field.

Exit from the Programme

The programme provides the following exit windows:

a) Postgraduate Diploma in Media Studies

• A student can exit the programme on successful completion of coursework with a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Studies.
• A student who successfully completes coursework but is unable to complete and successfully defend their thesis within the specified programme duration will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Studies.

b) Master of Arts in Media Studies

• A student who successfully completes coursework and successfully defends their thesis will be awarded a Master of Arts in Media Studies.
• Candidates who exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Studies on successful completion of course work but exited the programme on grounds other than academic withdrawal shall be eligible to complete their thesis provided it is within three years after exiting.

Programme Duration

The programme must be completed within a maximum of six semesters or three years. Route one is for students who must complete their studies within four semesters or two years. The part-time option is available to students who wish to complete the programme in six semesters or three years.

Course Structure

The course structure for the programme consists of nine core modules and six optional modules. Below is the detailed list of modules.

Core Modules

• Mass Communication Theory
• Mass Media and Society
• Media Text Analysis
• Media Policy and Regulation
• Media Research Methods
• Media Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Media Economics
• Media Leadership and Management
• Thesis

Optional Modules

• Development Communication
• Global Journalism: Current Issues
• Online and Digital Media
• Media and Public Finance Management
• Political Communication
• Media and Diversity